The View from Where I Sit

Tag: Equality Act 2010

  • What does it mean to discriminate?

    To discriminate means to recognize and differentiate between things, or, in a social context, to treat people unfairly based on specific characteristics such as race, gender, or age.


    In a social or legal context, discrimination refers to unfair or prejudicial treatment of individuals or groups based on certain characteristics that are unrelated to their abilities or merits. Common grounds for discriminatory practices include:
    Race or ethnicity: Treating people differently because of their racial background.
    Gender or sex: Making distinctions that advantage one gender over another.
    Age: Favoring or disadvantaging people based on their age.
    Religion or beliefs: Unequal treatment due to religious affiliation or convictions.
    Disability: Denying equal opportunities to people with physical or mental disabilities.
    Sexual orientation or nationality: Bias against individuals based on who they love or where they come from.


    Such discrimination is often unlawful in workplaces, education, housing, and public services because it violates principles of equality and human rights. Social and legal frameworks, such as the Equality Act 2010 in the UK, exist to protect individuals from discriminatory practices.

    Intersectionality of Discrimination
    It’s important to recognize that individuals may experience discrimination based on multiple grounds simultaneously. For example, a person who is both a woman and a member of a racial minority may face unique challenges that are not fully addressed by considering each characteristic in isolation.

    The grounds of discrimination refer to specific characteristics or attributes that are protected under human rights laws, preventing unfair treatment based on these traits.

    What are the different types of discrimination?
    The Equality Act protects people who have a disability against these types of discrimination:

    Direct discrimination
    Discrimination arising from disability
    Indirect discrimination
    Harassment
    Victimisation


    Failing to comply with duty to make reasonable adjustments
    It’s possible that you’ve experienced discrimination in more than one way. If this is the case, you can claim for multiple types of discrimination in one claim.

    You have to show that there’s a link between your disability and the way you’ve been treated. This can be difficult. But you don’t always have to give an example of a specific non-disabled person who was treated better than you. It just needs to be clear from all the circumstances that your disability was the reason why you were treated as you were.


    Discrimination arising from disability
    This is where you are treated badly because of something that happens due to your disability.

    Unlike direct discrimination, there’s no need for you to compare yourself with anyone else. You just have to show that you were treated badly. And this treatment was linked to your disability.

    You don’t need to show that the person who treated you badly was aware that the behaviour was due to your disability. But they do need to be aware that you have a disability.

    Example of discrimination arising from disability
    Nigel is the tenant of a housing association. He has obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Because of this, he walks around his flat a lot. This disturbs his neighbour. His tenancy officer at the housing association sends him a warning letter. It tells him that he will be taken to court if he continues to disturb his neighbour. This may be discrimination arising from disability.


    Situations when unfavourable treatment might not be discrimination
    There are some situations in which it might be lawful for a person or organisation to treat you unfavourably. These are if they can show at least one of the following:

    There were valid intentions behind their action. For example, ensuring the health and safety of others, or keeping up staff attendance so that their business can run properly. And that it was an appropriate action to take in the circumstance. Legally this is called a ‘justification’.
    They did not know you had a disability and could not reasonably have known.
    A service provider can be held responsible for the actions of its staff or agents. For example, a waiter in a restaurant or a receptionist at the local authority.

    But the service provider may be protected if they took all reasonable steps to avoid the discriminatory act. Or if their employee or agent was acting outside the scope of what they were told to do.

    Example when unfavourable treatment might not be discrimination
    Peter experiences psychosis and hears voices, which he manages by talking to them. A member of staff in a shop asks Peter to leave when he is talking to his voices. Peter has been treated unfavourably because of behaviour related to his disability.

    Normally the company running the shop would be held responsible for the actions of its employee. But the company has issued clear instructions to staff about their obligations under equality law. And it’s provided equality training. It also regularly checks that staff are following the law. It may be able to argue that it’s taken all reasonable steps to prevent its staff from acting in a discriminatory way. The member of staff who asked Peter to leave wasn’t acting in the way he’d been told to.

    For a good reason
    Appropriate and necessary
    For indirect discrimination, it doesn’t matter whether the person or organisation knew about your disability. This means they have to plan in advance and think about how their policies and practices may affect people with mental health problems.

    But it is not indirect discrimination if the person or organisation can show these practices and arrangements were justified.

    Harassment
    Harassment is behaviour from others that you don’t want, that:

    Violates your dignity or creates an environment that is intimidating, degrading, offensive or humiliating
    relates to a disability. It does not have to relate to a disability that you have.


    Victimisation
    Victimisation is when an employer or organisation puts you at a disadvantage. It could be because of one of the following:

    You’ve made allegation about discrimination
    You’ve supported someone who has made an allegation of discrimination


    Examples of victimisation
    Sarah makes a complaint that her GP’s receptionist has discriminated against her because of her mental health problem. As a result, her GP’s practice manager tells her she must leave the practice and register with another practice. This is likely to be victimisation.

    Deb has an anxiety disorder. She genuinely believes that she has been discriminated against by an assistant in her local supermarket. The assistant made remarks about her condition in front of customers. Her friend Chris helps her to complain to the supermarket. After this, the manager says both of them should shop elsewhere.


    Failing to comply with duty to make reasonable adjustments
    The Equality Act says that employers and service providers should think about making reasonable adjustments.

    If a person or organisation does not make reasonable adjustments when it would have been reasonable to do, this will be unlawful discrimination.

    Why is the UDHR important?
    The UDHR marked an important shift by daring to say that all human beings are free and equal, regardless of colour, creed or religion. For the first time, a global agreement put human beings, not power politics, at the heart of its agenda. Communities, movements and nations across the world took the UDHR disruptive power to drive forward liberation struggles and demands for equality.

    What is the Universal Declaration of Human Rights?

    The UDHR is an enduring commitment to prevent the bleakest moments in history from happening again.
    ‘The UDHR is living proof that a global vision for human rights is possible, doable, workable.’

    When was the UDHR created?
    The UDHR emerged from the ashes of war and the horrors of the Holocaust. The traumatic events of the Second World War brought home that human rights are not always universally respected. The extermination of almost 17 million people during the Holocaust, including 6 million Jews, horrified the entire world. After the war, governments worldwide made a concerted effort to foster international peace and prevent conflict. This resulted in the establishment of the United Nations in June 1945.

    Who created the UDHR?
    In 1948, representatives from the 50 member states of the United Nations came together, with Eleanor Roosevelt chairing the Human Rights Commission, to devise a list of all the human rights that everybody across the world should enjoy.

    What are the legal aspects to be aware of?

    A legal framework is provided in the Equality Act 2010 to tackle disadvantage and discrimination, and this framework applies to job descriptions too. The Act details 9 protected characteristics which individuals cannot be treated unfairly as a result of. These are age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation. It is also important to note that the right to discriminate is not a legal right. Rather, it is a term that is often used to describe the ability of individuals or organizations to make decisions based on their own preferences or beliefs. However, it is important to remember that discrimination can have serious consequences for individuals and society as a whole, and that it is important to treat everyone with respect and dignity.

    The Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) of 1995 was a landmark legislation that made it illegal for employers and service providers such as shops and restaurants to discriminate against someone because they were disabled. The act was preceded by years of campaigning and protests, including incidents of civil disobedience. The DDA was later replaced by the Equality Act 2010, which provides a legal framework to protect the rights of disabled people and promote equality.

    Although it is not legally binding, the protection of the rights and freedoms set out in the Declaration has been incorporated into many national constitutions and domestic legal frameworks. All states have a duty, regardless of their political, economic and cultural systems, to promote and protect all human rights for everyone without discrimination.

    Besides, parents have the right to take their kids wherever they want to take them.

    Ally or Accomplice?

    Well then, why is it that when it comes to disability, people start cherry picking rights?

    Why am I fighting so hard for something that is already my human and legal right?

    We need to get our priorities straight!

    If you have experienced discrimination, you may be able to take legal action. The Equality and Human Rights Commission provides information and advice on discrimination and your rights. You can also contact Citizens Advice for guidance on what to do if you have experienced discrimination.

    Institutions are not solutions, and the UK has come a long way in recognizing the rights of disabled people. However, there is still much work to be done to ensure that disabled people have the same rights and opportunities as everyone else.

    In summary, while discrimination can involve mere recognition of differences, it most commonly refers to unjust treatment of individuals or groups, and understanding this distinction is crucial when discussing rights, fairness, and social ethics.

    Types of discrimination in the Equality Act

    1unicef.org

    https://www.bihr.org.uk/get-informed/what-rights-do-i-have/the-right-to-be-free-from-discrimination

    1gov.uk2gov.uk3

    https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/law-and-courts/discrimination/check-what-type-of-discrimination-youve-experienced/making-or-telling-someone-to-discriminate/

    https://www.amnesty.org/en/what-we-do/discrimination/

    https://www.equalityhumanrights.com/human-rights/human-rights-act/article-14-protection-discrimination

    https://www.gov.uk/discrimination-your-rights

    https://www.ohchr.org/en/what-are-human-rights

    https://lordslibrary.parliament.uk/disability-discrimination-act-1995-and-now/

    Was 1995 the year that changed everything for disabled people? – BBC News https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/protection-against-disability-discrimination

    https://www.bihr.org.uk/get-informed/what-rights-do-i-have/the-right-to-education

    https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1998/42/schedule/1/part/II

    https://www.disabilitymedwaynetwork.org.uk/2019/01/19/a-history-of-disability-rights-in-the-uk/

    What is the Universal Declaration of Human Rights? (amnesty.org.uk)https://www.amnesty.org.uk/universal-declaration-human-rights-UDHR#A%20Summary%20of%20The%2030%20Articles%20of%20The%20Universal%20Declaration%20of%20Human%20Rights

    https://www.newdisabledsouth.org/?fbclid=IwY2xjawJjXkVleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHjh3IUhjf70Kl_w8Av9JcCuuDyInZqVgfzmdd6aXo9bjWcD3AL7SkYYbGrAQ_aem_8e0g9tZq0v6fA7Xrys9o8Q

  • Access consultancy services under the Equality Act


    Access consultancy services under the Equality Act 2010 are essential for organizations to ensure they are not unlawfully discriminating against people with disabilities. These services include:


    Access Audits:     Assessing a building or environment against best-practice standards to benchmark its accessibility to disabled people.

    Access Strategies: Developing a plan to improve accessibility and meet legal obligations under the Equality Act.

    Access Training: Providing training to help organizations understand their legal duties and implement necessary adjustments.

    Access Appraisals: Evaluating the accessibility of a building or service to identify barriers and recommend reasonable adjustments.

    These services are crucial for organizations to demonstrate compliance with the Equality Act and to create inclusive environments that benefit all users, including disabled people.

  • The Equality Act 2010 in Customer Service

    Under the Equality Act 2010, customer service providers must treat all individuals equally and fairly, avoiding discrimination, harassment, and victimisation based on protected characteristics.


    Protected Characteristics
    The Equality Act identifies nine protected characteristics that cannot be used as a basis for unfair treatment in services:

    • Age
    • Disability
    • Gender reassignment
    • Marriage and civil partnership
    • Pregnancy and maternity
    • Race
    • Religion or belief
    • Sex, and sexual orientation

    Service providers must ensure that customers are not discriminated against due to these characteristics, either directly or indirectly.


    Types of Discrimination in Customer Service
    Direct discrimination: Treating someone less favourably specifically because of a protected characteristic. Examples include refusing to serve a person due to their ethnicity or sexual orientation.
    Indirect discrimination: Applying a neutral rule or policy that disproportionately disadvantages people with a protected characteristic, unless the rule can be objectively justified. For example, a “no head coverings” policy may indirectly discriminate against customers who wear religious attire.
    Harassment: Any unwanted conduct related to a protected characteristic that violates dignity or creates a hostile, degrading, or offensive environment.

    Victimisation: Unfair treatment of someone because they made a complaint about discrimination or supported another person’s complaint.

    Reasonable Adjustments for Accessibility
    Service providers have a duty to make reasonable adjustments for disabled customers to ensure they can access services equally. This includes measures such as ramps, alternative formats for written information (Braille or large font), assistive technology, and staff training to accommodate different needs.
    The duty is proactive; providers must anticipate barriers and not wait for requests to be made.


    Practical Implementation in Customer Service
    Inclusive culture: Train staff to respect diversity, listen actively, and respond sensitively to customer needs.
    Policy development: Implement equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) policies that guide recruitment, service delivery, and day-to-day operations.
    Communication: Use inclusive language, provide alternative communication methods for customers with language barriers, and accommodate cultural or religious practices.
    Positive engagement: Regularly review services to identify potential barriers and improve inclusiveness, potentially conducting Equality Impact Assessments for public or large-scale service projects.


    Legal Scope and Exceptions
    While the Act prohibits unjust discrimination, some exceptions exist, including age-based concessions, health and safety requirements, financial services risk assessments, and single-sex or regulated services where necessary. Any differential treatment must be objectively justified or in line with permitted exceptions.


    Benefits of Compliance
    Complying with the Equality Act enhances the organisation’s reputation, fosters customer loyalty, and demonstrates respect for diverse customer needs. Inclusive practices also attract top talent and ensure fair, equitable service delivery.
    In summary, customer service under the Equality Act 2010 requires fairness, respect, and proactive accommodation of diversity, encompassing all nine protected characteristics, preventing discrimination, harassment, or victimisation, and ensuring accessibility for disabled individuals.


    Legislation.gov.uk

  • Who decides when I die?

    ASSISTED DYING BILL 2024 UK

    I am against this assisted dying . It’s legalised murder. I am completely behind Tani Grey Thompson and her views. Life is to be valued. The Bill is ungodly.

    Murder, in criminal law, is defined as the killing of one person by another that is not legally justified or excusable, usually distinguished from the crime of manslaughter by the element of malice premeditated.

    The penalty for illegal murder is capital punishment.

    Euthanasia

    Euthanasia means “a gentle and easy death.” Not a painful and screaming death.
    What is the reality in hospitals?
    • Doctors offer support systems to help patients live as active as possible until death.
    • Most doctors carry out euthanasia yet still don’t do anything for it to be legalized.

    Voluntary euthanasia sometimes called assisted suicide is where the patients have made it clear that he/she wishes to die and requests help to bring this about. There are many alternative approaches and options.

    For example:
    • People refusing medical treatment even if that treatment is required to save their life.
    • Advanced decision such as stopping the life support machine.
    • The patients refuse the attempting of resuscitation orders (CPR).

    Arguments For
    • The right of the individual to choose should be paramount. So long as the patient is articulate, and his or her intent is clear beyond doubt, there need be no further questions.
    • Many people think that each person has the right to control his or her body and life and so should be able to determine at what time, in what way and by whose hand he or she will die.
    • Human beings should be as free as possible. Unnecessary restraints on human rights are a bad thing.
    • Human beings are independent biological entities, with the right to take and carry out decisions about themselves, providing the greater good of society doesn’t prohibit this. Related to this is a firm belief that death is the end.
    • The right to life is not a right simply to exist.
    • The right to life is a right to life with minimum quality and value.
    • Death is the opposite of life, but the process of dying is part of life.
    • Dying is one of the most important events in human life.
    • Dying can be good or bad.
    • People have the right to try and make the events in their lives as good as possible, so they have the right to try to make their dying as good as possible.
    • If the dying process is hostile, people should have the right to shorten it, and reduce the excruciating discomfort.
    • If an animal had a life threatening illness, the vet thinks the kindest way to treat the animal would be to put it to sleep. Therefore if Euthanasia happens with animals then it should happen with humans too.
    • Six out of ten adults (60%) would only want comfort care at the end of their lives, although just 3% had made their treatment wishes clear in an advanced decision.
    • Fewer than two in ten people (14%) would want medical intervention- with less than one in ten (8%) people wanting full medical intervention at the end of life.
    • A survey found that a large majority (75%) of the British population think that legislation on Euthanasia should be amended to allow some degree of assisted suicide. Just over two thirds (67%) think that doctors in particular should have the legal power to end the life of a terminally ill patient who has personally given a clear indication of wanting to die.
    • This argument goes that since euthanasia will continue to take place, even though it’s illegal, it would surely be better to make it legal and regulate it to minimize abuse.
    • A Medix survey in the UK in 2004 found that 45% of doctors understood that their colleagues actively helped their patients die.
    • Vulnerable patients might be better protected than they are at present if there were set procedures and rules that had to be followed for euthanasia.
    • A patient who feared that they were under pressure to decide in favour of euthanasia would be able to gain help and support by initiating the formal procedures involved in regulated euthanasia – something that they cannot do now.
    • People have an explicit right to die.
    • A separate right to die is not necessary, because our other human rights imply the right to die
    • Death is a private matter and if there is no harm to others, the state and other people have no right to interfere
    • It is possible to regulate euthanasia.
    • Allowing people to die may free up scarce health resources.
    • Euthanasia happens anyway.
    • Euthanasia satisfies the standard that moral rules must be universal.
    • Euthanasia happens anyway.
    • Is death a bad thing?

    Arguments Against
    • Euthanasia would not only be for people who are “terminally ill.”
    • Euthanasia can become a means of health care cost containment.
    • Euthanasia will become non-voluntary.
    • Euthanasia is a rejection of the importance and value of human life.
    Dignity in Dying is a campaign that supports Euthanasia. They also have famous patrons who share their views of supporting this campaign. These patrons include Jo Brand who is a comedian, Sir Patrick Stewart who is a famous British actor.

    • Euthanasia has already been legalised in these countries:

    Oregon- 2001

    Belgium- May 2002

    Luxembourg- February 2008

    The Netherlands- 2002

    This bill contradicts the Equality Act 2010, which gives everyone the right to life. It’s all about affirming and defending human dignity, and the right to life of every human being.

    Hi, MPs voted on 29 November on an extreme Bill that, if successful, will introduce a dangerous assisted suicide law. This Bill is being rushed through Parliament. It was only published at 10pm on 11 November, giving MPs and the public barely two and half weeks to scrutinise the Bill before it goes to a vote. It’s vital that MPs hear from us now, showing that there are many who oppose this extreme and harmful change from being rushed into law – a change that would put countless vulnerable lives at risk. You can help stop this from happening by contacting your MP now using this simple tool: https://righttolife.org.uk/9ly4.

    I just emailed my MP, and it took less than 30 seconds!

    Please make sure to share with a friend after emailing your MP – every share is crucial to help us defeat this Bill.

    https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cx2l7m6r55do

    https://righttolife.org.uk/

    http://www.dignityindying.org.uk/assited-dying.html.

    https://www.independent.co.uk/voices/assisted-dying-bill-law-passed-mps-tanni-grey-thompson-b2656170.html?fbclid=IwY2xjawG4IglleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHfpn6mIPKMva9cCa21z2w20Mm-nSiaOVg3P2wFYGhyoGX_gLvAP8gyb5Pg_aem_zRNkQNJ1C1NsVh5U4JuBoQ

    https://www.britannica.com/topic/murder-crime

  • Encouraging Advocacy!

    People with Disabilities have been fighting for their right to be heard, both in their own lives, as well as in the greater community. This fight continues to this day and I want to bring their voices and needs to the forefront. Having direct input in one’s life has a clear effect on overall health, well-being, and quality of life. Learn how you can have an impact on the enhancement of individual lives, and the community, as a whole.

    What does being an ally and reducing ableism look like?

    Being an ally looks like fighting against bullies, creating awareness, being assertive, and getting your point across effectively. It’s one way of ‘amplifying community voices’. State their case like it is your case.

    While interviewing a disabled substitute teacher she said, ‘I think it is important to be able to speak up and explain our physical challenges to co-workers and others around us. As a substitute teacher, I just talk to my students and co-workers about my challenges and explain what my life is like as someone who uses crutches. I have found that people are much less likely to have “ableist” opinions if I share my story first.’

    That is what reducing ableism looks like.

    How do we get there?

    Don’t be a sceptic!

    Ask questions. Never assume.

    Think before you speak.

    Don’t judge by appearances.

    Be friendly.

    Get social workers, carers, nurses, doctors and family involved.

    http://linktr.ee/disabilityreframed

    Your Self Advocacy Toolkit

    Self Advocacy is helping you to speak up for yourself and your rights. Sometimes you just have to make them listen! http://www.advonet.org.uk/.

    In part, this is about listening to the voices of those with Disability & Chronic Illness, as they are the experts of their experiences. https://linktr.ee/ashleekelly_iammeblog?fbclid=IwAR0K_licUZMa4YuRqfTXOinH4Dn6UhBspGseLR8X1ftMd_ZUCEEKwkbHBcQ

    Self Advocacy in Goal Setting

    Effectively address self advocacy in learning or therapy programmes. Self advocacy is a learned skill.

    Unintentional Ways to Discourage Advocacy

    Bribing is one way to discourage self advocacy in childhood. Masking is another way to discourage self advocacy in adolescents. This includes:

    • Loss of identity
    • Suicidal thoughts
    • Stress and Anxiety
    • Hand controlling techniques. This makes them feel helpless. This raises concerns about consent. According to statistics, persons with disabilities are more vulnerable to victimisation than people without disabilities. Self Advocacy is a Life Saving Skill.
    • Don’t Panic

    How can we support self advocacy?

    • No means No!- Respect the No.
    • Pulling their hand away.
    • Shaking their head. Non verbal cues.
    • Communication is key. Sign language also works.
    • Follow their passions.
    • Strengths based approach. Instead of asking, ‘What’s Wrong’ ask ‘What’s working Already?’
    • Make space for them to be a decision maker.

    Include goals focussed on:

    • Boundaries
    • Emotional Regulation
    • Preferences

    Set up meetings for accountability when promises are made. This includes the education system. This includes integration in the mainstream education system instead of special schools. Special schools still have their place in society but integration is better for the sake of fairness and inclusion.

    It’s all about Empowering Yourself. I remember as a College student complaining to the directorate of college about discrimination. The learning support department didn’t seem very efficient to me. IEP meetings can also be a pain. This also encourages disability representation.

    Speak with Me Not for Me!

    I agree with this video because some people think we’re irrelevant and treat us like we’re invisible. Especially us wheelchair users. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sGxVz2jijK8.

    Support Self Advocacy for Loved Ones.

    Individuals with intellectual disabilities deserve a seat at the table! Just because someone can’t talk doesn’t mean they don’t have anything to say. Freedom of speech or expression shouldn’t be a challenge. Advocacy includes speaking up on other people’s behalf. This could also cover unemployment amongst people with disabilities.

    This may include:

    • Behavioural Support Plans
    • Person Centred Passports

    The service that supports you

    This should include a Recruitment Policy, Culture and Structure of an Organisation, and Consultation Process.

    There should also be a Partnership Board co-chaired by someone with a disability. It helps to change policy.

    Seniors and Self Advocacy

    Encouraging seniors to think about their needs and wants to advocate! This includes refugees.

    It raises consciousness and helps to organise seniors and local communities. Goals of advocacy should effect change in attitudes, policies, services and actions.

    Their needs may include welfare, they may want to work beyond retirement age or become an entrepreneur. Access to healthcare.

    Seniors can be or feel marginalised.

    Self Advocacy Skills

    • Be assertive vs Aggressive
    • Be direct
    • Be intentional
    • Be accurate
    • Healthcare

    Relocating

    Emotional Needs- Social Isolation

    Tips for Advocacy

    • Be Persistent
    • Build Effective Coalitions

    Advocacy also includes petitions, protests, lobbying, placards, propaganda, elections, party politics, and pressure groups. Being an advocate makes you an agent of change.

  • The Equality Act: What has changed 10 years later?

    By: Daniella Jade Lowe

    What is Equality?

    Equality is the state of being equal, especially in status, rights, or opportunities. Equality is a human right. It prevents discrimination. It’s all about inclusion.

    The Equality Act 2010

    It was created in 2010. It is comprised of 115 sections, which includes the DDA. Inclusion is a key theme of this Act. It covers the workplace and society.

    Example of Unconscious bias in the Workplace 

    Historically, there has been a gender pay gap. However, this has changed, at least since 2017, according to the gender pay gap factsheet. file:///C:/Users/Daniella%20Lowe/Downloads/Gender-Pension-Gap-Factsheet.pdf. This factsheet shows evidence that people (women in particular) are now encouraged to discuss salaries with each other. This will definitely expose and clamp down on discrimination.

    For more information on how to beat the Gender Wealth Gap visit- https://www.hl.co.uk/free-guides/thank-you?SQ_DESIGN_NAME=ppc&guide=https://www.hl.co.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0009/16042734/Gender-Pension-Gap-Factsheet.pdf&pub=TGWG&name=on%20how%20to%20beat%20the%20gender%20wealth%20gap.

    What stayed the same?

    • Still paying lip service.
    • Disability Employment gap still remains high. But there are some improvements to this such as the Access to Work for the Self Employed. This covers disability.
    • Benefit changes have disadvantaged disabled people.

    Also, taxi drivers still overcharge wheelchair users despite the Equality Act 2010 Taxi Annexa. Well, at least that’s what my experience has been.https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2010/15/contents.

    What does the future hold?

    • We expect more action instead of information and promises.
    • Intersectionality must be focus of progress.
    • Culture of organisations must be inclusive.
    • Inclusion cannot be bias – it means all, not our favourite parts. 

    As an overview, this means that there is still work to be done. Law reinforcement and accountability must take place. Hopefully ten years from now we can expose all inequalities and have disparities resolved.

  • Dealing with Disability in the Church: Third edition of series (Three Perspectives)

    Dealing with Disability in the Church: Third edition of series (Three Perspectives)

    By: Daniella Jade Lowe

    Dealing with Disability in the Church hasn’t been all that bad for me. First of all, I’d like to start out by saying, I’ve attended church all my life. I love church. I get involved in church services mainly by serving on the Audiovisual/Technical Team. I enjoy this.

    While living in Bradford I noticed that their churches have their own private buses to pick up and drop off their members.

    Now I’ve got one ‘bone to pick.’ Why are public buses in England expected to be wheelchair accessible but not private buses? Just an observation.

    However, whenever I asked to use it instead of taxis, I was told they do not take wheelchairs for liability reasons. Also I noticed the church I first attended, had a wheelchair section for easy access in case of a fire. I also attended a university campus church in Bradford.

    On the other hand, while living in Ilkley, there is one church that has a disability ministry for those with intellectual disabilities called the Ark, which meets the first Sunday of every month from 3pm to 6pm. Some other churches may even have Sign Language interpreters for the hearing impaired.

    In relation to handling disability, churches should take on The Good Samaritan Approach.

    Prayer

    I appreciate prayers. I have been asked to be prayed for and gladly accepted such. It can be slightly frustrating when your expectation for a change is so high and it doesn’t come which has discouraged me at times. But I do believe in miracles.

    However, I also know someone who has autism of a different persuasion. Her experiences in the church have almost never been positive. Many times, Christians have prayed for her to be healed of autism.

    She does not personally want to be “healed” of autism, because she believes that God intentionally allows some people to be born with autism or Down Syndrome for his own good reasons, and that these people are fearfully and wonderfully made in the image of God, and perfect just the way they are. They do not need to be healed; God made them like that.

    She feels that her autism is an integral part of who she is, and is not a negative thing, but rather a positive one. She does not feel that autism holds her back.

    When church people pray for her to be healed of autism, without asking her first whether she wants healing, or despite my objections to what they’re doing, that does not empower me. They are deciding on my behalf what direction they think my life should take, but they do not have that right; it’s my life. People with disabilities deserve to be in control of their own lives.

    Instead of being “healed,” all she wants is to be accepted by the church for the peculiar, wonderful, autistic person who she is. She needs acceptance and inclusion.

    When people pray for her to be healed of autism, she perceives them to be indirectly saying,

    “I want God to change you into a normal person, for my own comfort, because I can’t handle that we have a disabled person in our church. I don’t want to deal with having to include disabilities, so it’s easier if I can just try to heal them instead.”

    She fully believes that God does have the power to heal people. But she also believes that when church members wish to pray for a disabled person’s healing, they need to first ask that person whether he or she wants healing or not. If the disabled individual declines the offer, church members need to fully respect this, and not keep pushing healing on the person.

    It is good to be content and happy with life. I do agree to some extent. There is also a way of embracing disability without accepting it as if there’s no hope.

    In other words exhibit faith, despite the odds! Don’t glorify the problem, glorify the problem solver.

    Stating the facts about one’s medical condition isn’t necessarily claiming it but acknowledging that something is different about the way a person functions. We shouldn’t live in denial and shame, especially if people ask genuine questions out of curiosity.

    The Stigma around Medical Intervention

    Another subject I don’t understand is the notion that surgery or taking medicine isn’t faith. I believe God can heal through medical science. Sometimes medical intervention is part of the process. There is also nothing wrong with prayer and a psychologist, social worker or carers.

    Besides, faith without works is dead. I also notice that people tend to judge by appearances. I’m not looking for pity but inclusion.

    Wheelchair Accessibility: Functioning in Dysfunction

    Some churches in England have a health and safety policy where they have designated seating for the physically challenged. They’re also wheelchair accessible for the most part too.

    Wheelchair Accessibility and mobility issues are just some of the problems that the physically challenged face. Access alleviates the amount of limitations and restrictions on wheelchair users. Failing to ensure wheelchair accessibility is neglecting to provide reasonable adjustments. It is like functioning in dysfunction.

    I get really annoyed with drivers who park across dropped kerbs. Dropped kerbs are meant to make it easy for wheelchairs to enter and exit sidewalks. I think that drivers should either be fined or vehicles towed. Alternatively, if the church building isn’t wheelchair accessible, there is the option of watching services online, but then the problem with that is, one can’t mix and mingle with other believers. I suppose this will always be an issue depending on where one lives. There are many other issues that this subject can cover but this video should do the job. Why should your church be Disability Friendly?

  • Dealing with a Disability in the School (Mental vs Physical): Fourth edition of series

    By: Daniella Jade Lowe

    In this article, my friend and I are going to share our experiences in dealing with both mental and physical disability in the school.

    Dealing with physical disability in my life has been interesting and quite a learning experience for my family and I. My educational career has been interesting because I’ve lived and studied in Bermuda and England.

    Bermuda deals with disability in schools differently to England. England is more advanced, probably because it is much bigger and there’s more access to resources.

    For example, I attended private Nursery and Preschool in Bermuda, because it was hard to find someone to take disabled kids for liability reasons. There are currently no charities dedicated to Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus in Bermuda. ‘Teach Us All!’

    From primary school to high school, since I claimed disability, I got Paraeducators, nowadays, known as shadow teachers in Bermuda. In Bermuda, I also got extra exam time, an exam scribe, a separate room and exam invigilator. I experienced the same in England.

    During my first year of primary school, my mother visited everyday just to make sure that the school was doing their job. However, the principal threatened to put a restraining order on her, so she stopped.

    In England, exam scribes and note takers aren’t expected to know anything about the subjects, they’re just expected to make notes and write exams for the student. This holds the students accountable for their own education and success. Students must choose between extra time or an exam scribe, not both to prevent cheating. These exam scribes and notetakers come from an external agency called Clearlinks. Clearlinks employs them, not the university. Students also get Study Coaches and specialist equipment. Ergonomic Assessments are also required for wheelchair users.

    Discrimination

    During my educational career, there was one recurring issue that I encountered at every school I attended. This was ‘the right to an education’.

    The Human Rights Act protects the right to education within all existing educational institutions. It applies to primary, secondary and higher education. So why did my parents have to fight to make sure I got into mainstream, public education?

    Why were there some teachers at the schools that I attended, who refused to teach me simply because they disagreed with my rights to be there?

    As someone who has a physical disability, I never understood this. Besides, the Human Rights Act 1981 including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the European Convention on Human Rights applies to Bermuda too.

    My high school years were quite tricky. In Bermuda, there were two public high schools to choose from. One high school was wheelchair accessible from its inception, whereas the other one wasn’t. I was hoping to attend the wheelchair accessible high school because it was easier to get around, however I went to the alternative high school because even though the one I wanted had easy access, integration was a problem. ‘Teach Us All!’

    I felt this was unfair because I was marked down for attendance and my class participation was affected, especially when there was a wheelchair accessible alternative. In relation to specialist equipment, my parents and I invested in a Garaventa Stair Trac from Canada, which was designed to get me up and down staircases. The only staircase it wasn’t compatible with were spiral ones.

    Fortunately, after the first year, I transitioned to a newly refurbished and wheelchair accessible building equipped with ramps, lifts and flat surfaces. This made attending classes a lot easier and improved my attendance record and class participation.

    However, I went through my second year of high school without a Paraeducator because the school felt that I should be able to cope. My parents and I disagreed with this. Having a Paraeducator made it easier to transition from class to class within five minutes. Having that extra assistance of a Paraeducator also made test taking and note taking more manageable.

    Unfortunately, I had to complete summer school that year for failing Maths. Things improved after receiving a new Paraeducator the following year.

    After high school, my first year of college was quite stressful and intense. I was enrolled to complete A-Levels. I had just moved from Bermuda to England after graduating from high school. I had to familiarise myself with a new education system and a new environment. The teachers weren’t as understanding or empathetic towards my educational background, learning styles or needs. The A-Level programme was quite competitive where some lecturers only put their best cohort of students up for January and May exams leaving the weaker students out, while other lecturers put a whole class forward and let them ‘wing it’ for the experience.

    On this particular course, I felt discriminated against because, unlike the rest of my lecturers, my English Literature didn’t give me a shot at a mock exam in preparation for the real exams. She told me that I wasn’t working at the ‘A-Level standard.’ In response to this, I complained to the Directorate of the college with an unsuccessful outcome.

    Mental Health

    Alternatively, dealing with mental disability is different. My friend’s biggest problems have been, firstly, depression, which university recognised, but I don’t think most people in general have much idea of the impact of their actions and a lot are incapable of being nice, full stop.

    According to the Equality Act 2010, depression is classified as a disability, and anyone with it is covered by the Act (https://www.mind.org.uk/media-a/3123/disability-discrimination-2019.pdf). This needs to be reinforced.

    Integration in Mainstream School versus Special Education

    Even though special education has its place in society, especially for those with severe disabilities, it is better for them to be integrated into the mainstream public education because mainstream qualifications are given more value than special qualifications. Public mainstream colleges and universities recognise mainstream qualifications not special qualifications. Special education may also possibly undermine one’s full potential. ‘Teach Us All!’

    For example, I had a Canadian friend in university, who had Asperger’s Syndrome, that went to special school all his life, and had to complete his G.E.D before starting university in England, because his special qualification wasn’t accepted by the university’s standards.

    However, when I was in school, I was integrated all throughout my educational career, but two of my subjects like P.E and Maths were modified due to having a physical disability and additional learning difficulties.

    Schools are also expected to conduct risks assessments for health and safety reasons. They should also provide a Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan in case of any emergencies like fires or flooding. This is what I got during my college and university years.

    All schools have some level of a duty of care and can be held responsible for accidents.

    I am in full support of integration, but I think the best way to ensure and reinforce this is to provide extensive teacher training. Colleges and Universities in England have Student Councils and Student Unions that include Disability Officers on their teams. Also at the primary school level in Bermuda, there is a PTSA Board. I think PTSA Boards may need to include a special element specifically for disabled students, similar to British colleges and universities’ student unions and councils.

    Integration should also include modification not accommodation. When a student has an Individualized Education Program (IEP) you’ll likely hear the word accommodation. An accommodation changes how a student learns the material. A modification changes what a student is taught or expected to learn.

    Homeschooling is another viable option which may help decrease discrimination and cater to personal needs.

    Wheelchair Accessibility: Functioning in Dysfunction
    Wheelchair Accessibility and mobility issues are additional problems that wheelchair users face daily. I experienced this many times in Bermuda, especially at school. Access alleviates the amount of limitations and restrictions on wheelchair users. Failing to ensure wheelchair accessibility is neglecting to provide reasonable adjustments. It is like functioning in dysfunction. Fortunately AccessAdvisr helps to tackle this in England. I still think that people must be mindful.

    According to the British Government website, anyone can apply for a dropped kerb in England (https://www.gov.uk/apply-dropped-kerb). However, I get really annoyed with drivers who park across dropped kerbs. Dropped kerbs are meant to make it easy for wheelchairs to enter and exit sidewalks. Some drivers even park on top of the sidewalks blocking the walkway. We need to clamp down on this with a fine both in the UK and Bermuda.

    So to conclude, I think reassessing wheelchair accessibility, integration and modifications in mainstream public education are needed to improve the way disability is handled in the schools, especially in Bermuda. Schools must become Disability Confident. This is what I suggest in ‘Dealing with Disability in the School.’

  • Dealing with Disability on the Job: First edition of series

    Dealing with Disability on the Job: First edition of series

    By: Daniella Jade Lowe

    This is the first segment of my article series ‘Dealing with Disability’. In this article, I will cover Dealing with Disability on the Job, using examples from my personal experiences.

    Lived Experience

    How does one handle disability in the workplace?

    While living in Bermuda, I’ve had sporadic summer jobs and work experience. One paid job was working as a Junior Counselor at an inclusive Summer camp for disabled and non-disabled children.

    Another paid summer job included representing Bermuda at the London 2012 Paralympic Games as a reporter. That was fun and unforgettable.

    However, after graduating from university in 2017, my real career development and job searching began. My personal experience with job searching has been very tough.

    Job hunting can be quite frustrating for the disabled community. We have special skill sets based on level of ability.

    The problem is, we need a job to get work experience, and we need work experience to get a job. Going from interview to interview without any success can be quite discouraging.

    Nowadays, there are an increasing number of disabled people starting businesses because the job searching and interview process is proving to be difficult.

    If you desire to apply for benefits, you must be eligible for it. Before one is eligible, they must have a financial assessment. The unemployed who are actively seeking work can apply for the Jobseekers’ Allowance which is paid into their bank accounts from their local Jobcentre, fortnightly.

    There is also the Employment Support Allowance and Universal Credit that one can apply for.

    Business owners are entitled to the Income Support Scheme. All of this is provided at the local Jobcentre Plus through the Department of Works and Pensions.

    Purple Tuesday is an accessibility initiative for businesses and I am proud to know that Bermuda has joined this community. This initiative promotes inclusive marketing for the disabled shopper.(www.purpletuesday.org.uk)

    All employers are expected to make reasonable adjustments, especially for wheelchair users. They’re also expected to conduct risks assessments for health and safety reasons. They should also provide a Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan in case of any emergencies like fires or flooding.

    From personal experience, I know that, the Park Place Jobcentre in Leeds, England, definitely prioritises and values the disabled community because they take precautionary measures first.

    For example, during a placement that I completed under the Department of Works and Pensions at the Park Place Jobcentre, I had to complete a risk assessment for them to make reasonable adjustments in order for me to start the placement. This included checking the accessibility of escape routes for fire drills.

    All employers have some level of a duty of care and can be held liable for accidents.

    Employers must look at job design. Job design should play to people’s strengths. Talents and skills are important.

    Employers should not give disabled people jobs out of sympathy. Problem solving skills make disabled people good candidates because they always have to overcome barriers which could make one employable.

    Inclusive Workplaces

    Channel 4 is a Disability Confident employer and they judge job applicants on their abilities against job descriptions. They try their best to recruit from groups in society that are underrepresented.

    Job Agencies for the disabled include Remploy, Evenbreak and Scope. Remploy helps get our disabled community into cleaning jobs unless they have alternative career goals.

    There’s a consultation agency called Inclusive Employers which also does this. Inclusive Employers is an organisation created to help employers develop an inclusive workplace, avoid the pitfalls of discrimination and get more from their workforce.

    Inclusive Employers provides knowledge and networks to help build workplaces where people feel valued, and can add value. Their employer members are committed to creating an inclusive workplace, maximising the potential of all employees. They strive to lead the way in breaking barriers and building success.

    Delsion Ltd. is another inclusive employer known as the People & Development Consultancy. They’re the award winning specialists in Learning & Development, Diversity & Inclusion and all things that help people and organisations reach their true potential.

    Why should organisations employ disabled people? Why not? Political correctness is the enemy of inclusion. Political correctness is the avoidance of forms of expression or action that are perceived to exclude, marginalize, or insult groups of people who are socially disadvantaged or discriminated against.

    The alternative is working from home but it doesn’t necessarily promote inclusion or diversity neither does it clamp down on discrimination.

    Another interesting aspect is blind interviews vs physical interviews. Blind interviews are better than physical interviews because candidates are judged on skills not memory or tests.

    Using technology and specialist equipment can make workplaces more inclusive for people with disabilities too.

    Wheelchair Accessibility and mobility issues are just some of the problems that wheelchair users and the physically challenged face daily. Access alleviates the amount of limitations and restrictions on wheelchair users. Failing to ensure wheelchair accessibility is neglecting to provide reasonable adjustments. It is like functioning in dysfunction.

    According to the British Government, the British can apply for dropped kerbs. However, I get really annoyed with drivers who park across dropped kerbs. Dropped kerbs are meant to make it easy for wheelchairs to enter and exit sidewalks. The Government needs to clamp down on these drivers with a fine. The same should happen in Bermuda.

    AccessAdvisr helps to monitor wheelchair access. Disabled people going places. AccessAdvisr Board members are Rob Trent and Martyn Sibley.(https://accessadvisr.net)

    The AccessAdvisr website allows disabled people to rate and find first-hand accessibility information. Photographs can also be uploaded alongside reviews. This helps to tackle wheelchair accessibility issues. It also encourages accountability and inclusion.

    So, in ‘Dealing with Disability on the Job’, we must work towards inclusion, equality and diversity in the workplace by creating inclusion in the workplace, and inclusive workplaces. This could possibly help to improve the economy on a global scale. All jobs should be Disability Confident. I think Bermuda should also adopt this scheme to work on a better future for Bermudians.

  • CAMPAIGN AGAINST CABBY CORRUPTION


    By: Daniella Jade Lowe


    Wheelchair users in the UK are being overcharged indiscriminately by various taxi firms. According to previous articles printed by the Telegraph and Argus newspaper, this is a situation that has been recurring for over three years. Despite previous campaigns to end this madness, it has relentlessly continued.


    As a disabled citizen, I personally have experienced this discrimination first hand. I lived in Bradford for 5 years, and ever since my first year, I’ve been charged from £5-£10, by taxi firms that I’ve used. So far, I’ve travelled with Girlington, Bradford Central and Douglas taxi firms. Girlington taxis charges me £7 each time, Douglas charges me £5 consistently and Bradford Central fluctuates between £5 and £7 depending on if it’s a weekday or weekend. Before receiving my electric wheelchair, I used to spend £14.28 a week on taxis.


    On Tuesday, February 25, 2015, I was involved in a Student Union meeting at the University of Bradford and at this meeting; this cab discrimination issue was raised. During this meeting, everyone signed a petition against this display of exploitation. In this petition, everyone signed their name and what taxi firms they use in solidarity against this corruption.


    The university’s student union planned a campaign in hopes to effect change against this malarkey. To highlight this issue, we created a presence at an event hosted by Turning Point (a disability group in Bradford) on Friday, 29 May, 2015 from 10:00 at Cottingley Cornerstones Centre, Littlelands, Cottingley, Bingley, West Yorkshire, BD16 1AL. Transport was provided from UBU leaving at 10am from the University of Bradford and returning for 2pm (https://www.keighleynews.co.uk/news/12965951.keighley-group-takes-taxi-overcharging-campaign-district-wide/.)

    The day went really well. I think it was clear that this is a real issue locally and something we can move forward with. There is still a lot of work to be done. The event also included speakers and a couple of presentations on why the law should be different on how taxi fares of several taxi firms are affecting the lives of disabled people. Also, there were workshops on why the law should be different, followed by provided lunch.


    For Hackney Carriages (White taxi labelled cabs), there is legislation that all their cars are adapted and can take wheelchairs. There is also a ruling that says prices are fixed and cannot be changed for a wheelchair user.


    However, a brilliant initiative was introduced during the meeting called iTaxis which is an app and an innovative solution revolutionising the method they book private hire taxis. It is not a ride sharing service like Uber. It works with licensed private hire operators.

    A customer enters their journey details and iTaxis search their records of local private hire operators. They display the fares set by those operators for the journey. The customer can then pick an operator and pay by cash or card.

    The address for the company is iTaxi247 Ltd, Town Hall, St George’s St., Hebden Bridge, HX7 7BY. It is registered in England. The Company Reg No is: 8849416. Find private hire vehicles (taxis) in your local area.

    For more information about this app, you can download the app from Google Play Store onto your phone.

    This is also in compliance with the Equality Act 2010- http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2010/15/section/163.

    Again, if this happens, disabled citizens have been encouraged to report it. There is a lot to be done and we will now be moving forward with further action, but I feel the event represents a positive move forward.